Preux-au-Bois walks

This route connects the hedgerow belt and the paths within the Mormal State Forest. Each season brings its own discoveries.

Covering just over 9,000 hectares, the ‘green giant’ of the Nord Mormal is as intriguing as it is majestic thanks to its flora and fauna, but do you know its heart? Whilst the famous saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, here, all roads lead to Locquignol. A charming little village steeped in history, which was originally a simple hunting meeting point for the counties of Hainaut. On this route, which is suitable for everyone, I invite you to take a short pilgrimage through the Mormal Forest to discover its heart. There are no signposts as this walk was created by a local (myself). It is not aGR® route. You will therefore need to follow the map shown on your phone in real time.

Between edge and forest, this trail allows you to discover the hideouts of the hedgerows, forest paths and trails. The atmosphere changes with the seasons.

From Landrecies to Le Cateau-Cambrésis via the towpath.

Cycle along the small country roads and discover the Avesnois bocage and the famous village of Maroilles.

Through the Avesnois countryside along quiet country lanes.

Cycle along small country roads to discover the bocage landscape.

Cycle ride along the small country lanes north-west of Landrecies.

This route takes you through the wooded countryside of the Mormal Forest, the "rural" Sambre and the wet meadows that border it. You will therefore pass through a wide variety of landscapes, along footpaths and quiet country lanes.

Starting from the Touraille crossroads, take a short walk through the heart of the Mormal Forest, the largest forest area north of Paris. This route will enchant you whatever the season. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of its inhabitants.

Cycle along quiet country lanes and through the forests of Bois l'Evêque and Mormal.

Let's set off on a forest walk in the Bois l'Évêque national forest, following in the footsteps of the poet Wilfred Owen. Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, the Ermitage fountain and the Flaquet pond sound like magical places from fairy tales!

Route through the bocage and along the Sambre Canal.

ROUTE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FALLEN TREES The route follows ‘caches’ – hedgerow paths linking the villages and surrounding pastures – as well asfarm tracks and quiet roads.

Accessible all year round, this route runs along the picturesque Écaillon valley.

Starting from Neuville-en-Avesnois, this bucolic route takes you through meadows and hedgerows, revealing the rural soul of the Avesnois region. In Salesches, the communal pond and its peaceful banks invite you to stop and contemplate. As you reach Poix-du-Nord, half-timbered farms and restored wash houses dot the route with touches of authenticity. At every turn, birdsong and the murmur of streams compose a changing rural tableau. The trail continues to Vendegies-aux-Bois, where the deciduous forest forms secret paths and wild clearings. It is here, among ferns and hundred-year-old tree trunks, that this walk ends, rich in bucolic memories.

Starting from the Auberge du Croisil, take a short walk through the heart of the Mormal Forest, the largest forest area north of Paris. This route will enchant you whatever the season. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of its inhabitants?

Starting from the Auberge du Croisil, take a short walk through the heart of the Mormal Forest, the largest forest area north of Paris. This route will enchant you whatever the season. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one of its inhabitants.

Between dense forests and rolling countryside, this route takes off in Forest-en-Cambrésis. You will find yourself on authentic sunken paths lined with hundred-year-old beech trees and green embankments, which will take you in turn to Amerval, Ovillers and Beaurain. In each village, the discreet charm of the stone houses and the murmur of the streams invite you to contemplate. Further on, Vendegies-au-Bois, Bousies and Croix-Caluyau reveal rural panoramas where nature unfolds in all its splendour. This is a getaway where rhythm and serenity combine to offer a timeless interlude.

This route between Cambrésis and Avesnois takes in hedgerow-lined paths, forest tracks and village streets, each with its own distinct atmosphere.

From Beaurain, this route immediately reveals a lush countryside where light plays on the fields and hedgerow-lined paths. You first reach Ovillers, a discreet hamlet with simple charm, nestled between meadows and farmland. Continuing on, Romeries appears with its peaceful atmosphere, brick facades and small details that tell the story of rural life. The road then continues to Vertigneul, a peaceful, green village where the air is filled with the scents of the earth and the seasons. This is a walk that combines authenticity, open landscapes and a gentle way of life, ideal for recharging your batteries and savouring the richness of the Cambrésis region.

Cycling is the ideal way to discover the thousand and one secrets of the Avesnois region.

This route takes you to Maroilles in the footsteps of the lost abbey. The educational and entertaining Baladavesnois app provides you with comprehensive information to help you understand the history and discover the remains that are still visible.

This route through the Maroilles countryside is accessible all year round. A succession of small country roads and dirt tracks lead you past the remarkable farms of the Helpe Mineure valley.

Accessible all year round, this route crosses the Maroilles bocage along small country roads. Many elements of the Thiérache heritage can be seen along the route (old farmhouses, water mills, chapels, bocage).

Cycling is the ideal way to discover the thousand and one secrets of the Avesnois region.During this ride, you will see the two magnificent mills of Grand-Fayt and Maroilles.

Ce circuit vous permet de pénétrer en forêt de Mormal et de longer le Canal de la Sambre.

The route takes you on a tour of three kiosks and three water mills.It winds through the Avesnois countryside, with its hedgerows, pastures and orchards that are so characteristic of the Thiérache landscape. This hilly route is suitable for experienced cycle tourists, while the shorter version is accessible to families.

This is the first stage of a cycle route that takes you through the rolling countryside of Avesnois and Thiérache, between Maroilles and Le Nouvion-en-Thiérache. Along the way, take the time to sample some delicious Maroilles cheese!

A magnificent route allowing you to explore the underground passages of Le Quesnoy’s ramparts, sometimes from above, sometimes from below, as well as the gardens. Do bring a torch.

This wooded trail is easy to follow. It runs alongside rural hedgerows and streets with characteristic housing.

In the heart of the Quercy citadel, discover the defensive structures built under Charles V and Louis XIV.

Starting from Bazuel, this route invites you to escape along paths lined with nature, where the tranquillity of the Cambrésis plains is revealed step by step. Along the way, Ors reveals its discreet charm and green surroundings, offering a peaceful place to stop. The route continues towards Catillon-sur-Sambre, where water and rural panoramas blend together in a soothing atmosphere. Between country paths, bursts of greenery and authentic villages, this walk combines the pleasure of walking with the discovery of rural heritage. An invitation to slow down and savour the simple riches of the countryside.

From La Groise, this route follows a common thread, weaving together the discreet energy of the villages and the serenity of the countryside. You leave the lively little streets behind and open up to vast horizons, where the green meadows and shimmering crops invite you to breathe more deeply. As you approach Catillon-sur-Sambre, the atmosphere is adorned with reflections of water and rural gentleness, with its peaceful banks and unspoilt authenticity. This walk combines the best of both worlds: the friendliness of the villages and the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.

Le Cateau-Cambrésis is a town generally known for its museum dedicated to the painter Henri Matisse, a native of the town, which was founded in 1952 by the artist himself and is now housed in the former Palais Fénelon.

From Capelle, the route follows paths lined with hedges and meadows, where every turn offers a new view of the countryside. The atmosphere is peaceful, almost timeless, carried by the scent of the fields and the gentle song of birds. As you pass through Escarmain, you will discover a village with authentic charm, before reaching Bermerain, whose red brick houses stand out beautifully against the rural horizon. With its encounters with nature, local heritage and soothing tranquillity, this walk is an invitation to savour the peaceful rhythm of the Cambrésis countryside.

A family route in the heart of the Mormal massif to be discovered throughout the seasons. By being discreet, it is easier to observe the different animals that inhabit the massif. Don't forget your forest observation guide.

This family-friendly route through the hedgerow countryside is easy. It runs alongside country hedgerows and streets lined with traditional houses. As you wind your way along the paths, small heritage sites and local place-names evoke the legends of the Avesnois region.